Sustainable Operations

The importance of designing, building, and leading sustainable organizations is indisputable. Sustainability encompasses not only the environmental footprint of an organization but also the way in which firms treat workers and customers both within their firm and supply chain network. Understanding the role of operational excellence and strategic supply chain management in achieving sustainability is critical for effective leadership.

This course examines a variety of approaches to designing sustainability into an organization’s operations and how to measure and reduce a firm’s operational environmental impact. We also explore themes of risk, accountability, and sustainability within global supply chains. What challenges do firms face in being socially responsible when managing globally distributed supply chains? Three themes comprise this course: (1) designing sustainable operations, (2) drivers and consequences of sustainability, and (3) global sourcing and social responsibility.

• Designing Sustainable Operations. Sample cases include – REI Rentals, All Birds, IndigoAg, Supply Chain Hubs in Humanitarian Logistics.
• Drivers and Consequences of Sustainability. Sample cases include – Fiji Water, Aspen Ski Company.
• Global Sourcing & Social Responsibility. Sample cases include – IKEA, Ready Made Garment Industry, Roche & Tamiflu.